New regional reports reveal path to 10,000 more jobs and major economic gains
The UK’s offshore wind supply chain could grow by over £25 billion by 2035, according to new regional prospectuses released by the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC) and The Crown Estate. These reports show how coastal areas across the UK can expand their roles in offshore wind development and create an extra 10,000 jobs—adding to the 100,000 jobs already forecast in the sector.
The documents support the sector’s Industrial Growth Plan (IGP), which focuses on increasing UK-based production of key components such as turbine towers, blades, foundations, and cables. The plan also covers the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms and the delivery of specialised services, including environmental surveys. Ports play a central role in delivering these goals and are identified in the prospectuses as key to driving industrial and economic growth.
Each report targets a specific offshore wind “cluster”—coastal regions where businesses involved in the wind industry are already active and where future growth is expected. These clusters initiated the idea through the OWIC Clusters Forum and helped create the prospectuses. The seven main clusters are:
- Offshore Energy Alliance (North Wales and North West England)
- Celtic Sea Cluster (South Wales and South West England)
- EastWind Cluster (East of England)
- Humber Offshore Wind Cluster (Humber Region)
- Energi Coast Cluster (North East England)
- Clean Energy Cluster (Scotland)
- Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Cluster (Northern Ireland)
The South East of England is also featured, given its growing role in offshore wind.
The reports offer detailed assessments of what each region is best suited for. They identify where the UK can scale up manufacturing, especially in places already producing large parts like turbine blades and subsea cables. These facilities not only serve domestic projects but also export to markets around the world.
Jane Cooper, Deputy Chief Executive of RenewableUK and a director at OWIC, said:
“These prospectuses give a clear picture of how the UK can attract billions in offshore wind investment by focusing on key regional strengths. They show how local areas can build on what’s already in place to grow offshore wind manufacturing and services.”
She added: “By working with The Crown Estate and local clusters, we’ve matched the most valuable parts of the supply chain to the regions that can deliver them. Many of these areas are already supporting offshore wind projects in the UK and abroad. These plans show we can do much more.”
The prospectuses aim to guide government and industry leaders in making targeted investments that will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore wind.
